The Vyatka horse is a compact, sturdy forest breed of the northern type, a versatile horse of small and medium size. Height at withers 138–152 cm (optimal 142–148 cm), weight 380–520 kg, body length 148–162 cm, chest girth 170–188 cm, cannon bone circumference 18.0–20.5 cm. It is characterized by a "square" format (format index ≈1.02–1.06), a dry small head with a broad forehead and slightly concave muzzle, a medium neck with a crest in stallions, a wide deep barrel-shaped body, a short straight back, a wide slightly sloping croup, strong dry limbs with very strong rounded hooves (height at toe 75–90 mm). The coat is dense with a thick undercoat. "Wild" primitive colors are typical: dun (with dorsal stripe and zebra striping), mouse-gray, bay, brown. Piebald, spotted, and cream colors are not allowed.